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Ecosystems: living communities: Track 1

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What are ecosystems, and what do different ecosystems have in common? How are they affected by human activity? From the diverse rainforests of the tropics to the smallest microbial communities, ecosystems support life on Earth. This album reveals the ecological relationships that create these living systems of energy transfer and explores some of the key processes that occur. It goes on to show how these complex systems can be affected by external influences and harmed by the activities of humans. This material forms part of The Open University course S396 Ecosystems.

By: The OpenLearn Team (The Open University)

  • Duration 18 minutes
  • Updated Tuesday 1st December 2009

Track 1: Ecosystems: living communities

A short introduction to this album



Tracks in this podcast:

Track Title Description
1 Ecosystems: living communities A short introduction to this album Play now Ecosystems: living communities
2 What is an ecosystem? How the definition of an ecosystem as "a living system of energy transfer" arose Play now What is an ecosystem?
3 The energy cycle Understanding the role of the sun, carbon, and energy interactions between organisms in ecosystems Play now The energy cycle
4 Humans enter the equation How human activity affects the delicate energy balance in an ecosystem with often adverse consequences Play now Humans enter the equation
5 Managing or meddling? How ecosystems need careful understanding if we are to sustain them for the future whilst using them to our economic advantage Play now Managing or meddling?
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